Evolution of the App

The introduction of the iPhone in 2007—or, more specifically, Apple opening its App Store to third-party developers in 2008—turned out to be one of the most consequential developments ever to hit the home automation market.

- By John Sciacca

I remember seeing an iPhone control a home entertainment system for the first time at the CEDIA tradeshow in 2008. It was mind-blowing to watch this small, handheld device being used as a full-blown system controller to operate all manner of equipment. Noting that A/V control wasn’t even its primary function, and that it cost hundreds (or even thousands in some cases) of dollars less than the dedicated touchscreen controllers home automation system manufacturers were selling at the time, it became clear to me that this was a game-changing technology that manufacturers needed to embrace.

Now that tablets, smartphones, and even smartwatches have become ubiquitous, app-based control is growing exponentially, and so is the number of smart devices that can be controlled. And since most smart devices offer networked communication, you’ll get the same access and information whether you’re at home, outside your home, or traveling around the globe.

Here are some key categories where app-based control has made an impact.

MUSIC STREAMING